If you are like me, then you don’t enjoy competing with other groups of divers for first entry onto a dive site, so to be somewhere as excellent as the Maldives on a liveaboard where you don’t have to battle with anyone else is fantastic. It is something that many do not appreciate until they experience being one of several boats parked next to one small dive site, and this is a major feather in the cap of the MV Monsoon. I recently had the pleasure of taking a cruise to scuba dive the Baa, Raa, Noonu and Lhaviyani Atolls and here are my impressions of this liveaboard.
The MV Monsoon
The boat is very spacious. Even with a full complement of guests it is always possible to find a little spot to yourself. The sun deck is enormous and has a good mix of sun and shade. The hot tub is a bit of a cherry on top, i.e. it has a positive effect on the psyche but it doesn’t really get used much.
The upper deck houses the big saloon with a great plasma screen and a bar. There is also a seated area outside the saloon where briefings are given and an extended floor which acts as a ceiling to the dive deck and platform. This is a nice spot to watch the seas at night where dolphins and a manta were both spotted on our trip. A spiral staircase with grand, golden finishes brings you down from the saloon to the dining area which opens to the dive deck. 4 cabins are on the main deck and 7 on the lower deck.
Overall it is a spacious and well-structured boat. It may not have anything in the way of Maldivian character, but as a Red Sea boat it is built for practicality. It is sturdy in the water and the diving procedural movements could not be easier.
The Cabins
We checked into our cabins of which there are 11, each having 2 beds. However the beds are large enough for 2 so you can either have a bed to yourself and use the other for storage or sleep in both the beds. It depends if you know the person you are sharing with… maybe.
The cabins were fine and with a reasonable amount of space and storage. The TVs are high above the wardrobe and each has a DVD player. The bathrooms are adequate although a little cramped. The boat was built in Egypt and the average Egyptian might fit below the shower head without a problem, but anyone over 5ft 10″ might need to do some creative wriggling to ensure the spray connects with all the necessary places.
The air conditioning had a few issues which I was assured would be top priority for the next low season dry docking.
The Dive Procedures
Unlike many Maldives liveaboards, the MV Monsoon does not use a diving dhoni. Instead there are 2 zodiacs (inflatable dinghies) which take guests to the dive sites and back. It is possible to stride off the platform, but quite rightly the management prefer not to park right on top of these sites thereby avoiding the risk of coral damage, plus avoiding terrifying the marine life with the noise of such a big ship.
Briefings take place in the comfort of the upper deck and you then proceed to gear up on the dive deck. Tanks remain in their stations where they are refilled. So you gear up, strap on your tank and walk down to the platform before stepping into the tender. The dive deck is spacious and well-organised and staff are always on hand to make getting in and out of the tender very easy.
Safety sausages and reef-hooks are provided if you do not have your own, and both are useful devices for diving in safety and comfort in these conditions. There can sometimes be current and you may surface separated from the dive guides. It is good to see an operator emphasising both safety and respect for the marine environment, not only at the start of the trip but also throughout and at the end when guests were thanked for their compliance.
The Food
Meals are taken in the dining area of the main deck, an air conditioned, dry area. They are served buffet-style and the variety is good. There are always salads, rice and potatoes (cooked in a variety of styles) plus a good range of vegetables and vegetarian options. Meats include roast chicken, steak and seafood including squid and fresh fish for those who are happy to devour what they spent an hour trying to photograph the previous day.
An impressive range of bread and croissants goes well with the excellent imported cheeses. Regular appearances by fresh fruit and yogurt were interspersed with special desserts like creme caramel, bread pudding and apple tart. Most guests agreed the food was fantastic and my waistline proves it, unfortunately.
Island Visits
We went ashore several times and visited a number of small islands where we could swim in the shallows, enjoy a beer on the beach and watch for juvenile rays or baby blacktips from the shore. On one island, one of the crew scaled a palm tree to throw down some coconuts which were then taken on board and added to the menu.
Overall
For several reasons I would recommend the MV Monsoon. It is a big and spacious boat and is superbly convenient. The crew, a mix of locals, Sri Lankans and Indians are very helpful and always on hand with a smile. Chris Tricky, the tour leader is excellent. He explains everything well and manages to be authoritative without compromising his natural friendliness. He also maintains a chirpiness and genuine enthusiasm that many in his position lose after a few years.
The food was excellent and was remarked upon in glowing terms by several guests. I am sure the chefs received the warmest round of applause at the end of the trip. The association with Kuredu means that provisions are plentiful and fresh which makes the chefs job a lot easier.
So if you have been to the more popular atolls of the Maldives before, or it will be your first time in this wonderful dive destination, then think about a trip in the Northern atolls. If the notion of having the sea to yourself, with no other divers around appeals to you, then think about the MV Monsoon for your next dream liveaboard trip.
Gavin Macaulay is Marketing Director of Dive The World which aims to help divers find the perfect scuba diving holiday in some of the world’s most exciting dive destinations. He offers opinions and advice on diving related topics based on his own experiences.